kids, outboard and trailer questions

[Catigale]

I wouldnt use an impact driver on those screws. The trans case is alloy and prone to cracking.

I dont believe I have ever come across these being Left Hand thread.

If they are stuck...set aside a weekend when you are around...

1 Find, fab, or buy a tool that fits the ENTIRE slot of the screw so that it is filled both side-to-side in both dimensions. Do NOT use a screwdriver that will place the torque load on two small spots of the groove - almost certainly you will just damage the screw.

2 Each morning, put some penetrating oil (Loctite brand or like) on the screws (focus on the edge so you hit the threads), then tap them lightly with a small hammer.

3 Repeat (2) Friday, Saturday, Sunday

4 If you are Jewish, skip Saturday and add Monday

5 On day three, put the metal in the slot and turn the screw out with a locking plier - Channel Lok or name brand again is best.

[SeaGriff]

Sorry I took so long to get these pictures on but my internet provider was down.
If you have any questions feel free to ask. Her is the link.
http://s1092.photobucket.com/albums/i420/seagriff/

[Crikey]

I have to concur with Catigale on this one. Hard to say how stuck/corroded it is and the alloy thickness is an unknown. Penetrating oil is much better than basic WD40 and can be assisted into the thread space by very short and periodic applications of heat from a small propane flame. Repeat, repeat, repeat! Tapping lightly on the head or rocking side to side with the aid of a punch can also crack fresh pathways through the thread corrosion for the penetrating oil to do its job. Very important to have a perfectly fitting screwdriver head. If the slot is buggered, you can sometimes use a dremel to start overwith a bigger tip. The last resort is to drill a center hole into it an try an easy-out, but there's a lot of metal chips about and that operation is not for the faint of heart. Once you have done it, however, I would go to the trouble of two back to back oil changes after a run, to give all the loosened junk a good flush.
The trick is to find the patience of Job, lose sleep over it and have a few drinks to steady your nerves!

Regards ..... Ross

[Sea Wind]

Thanks SeaGriff for the pictures and everyone else that replied.
The screw is still there, I am using the WD40, screwdriver with hammer and lots of patience method for now. If by next weekend I cannot loosen it then I will have to call the professionals. What troubles me is using the OB without knowing how much and in what state the oil is.

Sea Wind

[Catigale]

WD40 is the wrong stuff. Not thin enough. Get real penetrating oil that will have more solvent. In a pinch, you can mix motor oil and gas 1:1 by volume and use that.

Even better idea, tip the outboard on its side so that you can get the plug facing up, build a little coffer dam from plastic or foil, and soak the plug in penetrating oil for a few days...

[Hamin' X]

Hand impact drivers have been used on motorcycle cases for years, with no damage to the alloy cases. Common sense when using helps. True penetrating oil is a good idea,also.

~Rich

[Sea Wind]

This is how I “solved” them:

1. Lower unit oil: After several different types and sizes of screwdrivers and hammers plus several doses of penetrating oil, I ended up calling the mechanic of the marina and he got it out (not sure how). I bought one of those pumps that you attach between the bottom screw hole and the oil container and made the job a lot easier.

2. Front ladder: The main reason why I needed it was for opening the valve after retrieving the boat plus getting the stern line to the front. Now, with better coordination everything is done without having to climb over the front.

3. Safety Net: I bought the sailrite safety net and will add a bottom lifeline with a non stretch line. I want only to add it to the sides of the cockpit and maybe a removable one in the stern. Will post pictures after job is done the weekend after Memorial Day.

Thanks for all the comments,
Sea Wind

[CampCook]

I agree with Rich. I have used hand impact screwdrivers on screws in all kinds of applications especially motorcycles and airplanes. The idea is to hold the tool square and tap-tap-tap the tool until the screw breaks free. You are not swinging a sledge hammer or anything of the sort. I have yet to see a screw I couldn't remove from an aluminum alloy housing Unless some idiot had already tried to get it out with a conventional screw driver and ruined the head.
Dave

[Gazmn]

Re: the ladder thing my PO did this:


If you have an old aluminum straight ladder, or can get one on the cheap; cut to appropriate size. Find a way to bolt it onto your trailer. This pic gives you the general idea

[Sea Wind]

I just wanted to share a picture of the cockpit netting, it works great!


Also, here is my autopilot:

[dca81]

That looks like a really expensive and complicated Auto pilot system...but I enjoyed the pic .